Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, priest
(Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23; Luke 9:51-56)
Today’s gospel indicates a turning point in the life of Jesus. St. Luke writes that Jesus decided to go to
Jerusalem to complete his mission in the world.
St. Vincent de Paul made a similar decision sometime between 1610 and
1620.
St. Vincent was born into a peasant French family in 1580. He was able to go to school and pursue a
priestly vocation. He was ordained in
1600. Showing impressive ability,
Vincent sought benefices from the aristocracy.
In 1608 he came under the influence of spiritual masters Pierre de
Bérulle and, later, under Francis de Sales.
They showed him how to pursue God, not fame or fortune. Vincent then dedicated himself to serving the
poor. He co-founded the Daughters and
Sisters of Charity and established the Congregation of Missioners, who bear his
name to this day.
Catholic converts often make a definitive decision to follow
Jesus closely. Those “born Catholics” must
make a similar choice. Participating in cultural
religious activities does not lead to salvation. Steadfastly following Christ by a life of
prayer and charity takes us close to God.
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